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Rugby
Union answerable for the mess in Busan
The Sri Lanka Rugby Union instead of embarking on the Asian Games
in Busan should have planned and concentrated for the coming Rugby
Asiad in Bangkok. The Asian Games rugby competition was a total
disaster in the XV-a-side and in the 'sevens' as well. Had they
any idea of the strength and weaknesses of the other nations they
would have thought twice before embarking on such a contest. But
just took ad hoc decisions when going on this overseas tour which
was a colossal waste of funds. Apparently they believe in their
own propaganda and in the end exposed their weakness in the Busan
tournament. Ironically our rugby is far behind time. Obviously there
is no plan for local and international rugby.
The Premier
trophy tournament played under lights is no doubt a comedy of errors,
a waste of money with hardly any interest shown by the participating
teams. What's more the competition is being played before empty
stands. Facts are stubborn. This money could have been channelled
to the development said, one ardent rugby supporter, who is using
his own men and material to develop the game at grassroots level.
This was mentioned to The Sunday Times whilst watching the matches
on October 20.
Knowledgeable
people who had the game at heart warned the Union about five or
six years ago that Sri Lanka rugby was in a mess unless they made
drastic changes. But, the Union ignored their views and continued
with their dreams. Today the game has hit rock bottom due to their
false pride. In the process they have put the game to shame.
A good example
of total commitment is the Kenya RFU. They formed the Union in 1963.
They have developed pretty fast and are a force to be reckoned with
now. Whilst Sri Lanka with a cherished rugby history spanning over100
years is still struggling to take off and still indulging in social
rugby.
Even at this
late stage, one hopes, saner counsel will prevail. Put petty issues
aside and put the country before self to uplift the image of this
sport which has a great following unlike in the past. -BW
Pathirana
plunders Pin Fernando Trophy
"Ladies and Gentlemen I have a small confession and apology
to make. I prepared a gorgeous little speech for tonight but unfortunately
I cannot find it in my bag and it is not even in Tiru's bag",
volunteered Mother Superior Pam Fernando at the well attended and
superbly organised Award Ceremony after the Pin Fernando tournament
at the Ridgeways of the Royal Colombo Golf Club. Gun Pieris her
inseparable friend seated next to me quipped. "This is a regular
feature with my pal Pam". It is on this fun filled happy note
that a great crowd spent a swell evening as guests of Priya Fernando
the flashy C.E.O. of United Tractor & Equipment Ltd., the sponsors
of the annual event in memory of Sri Lanka's greatest golfer the
doyen Pin Fernando.
Sarath Beaten
Sarath Wickremaratne, a steady, quiet and alert player padded with
immense experience was the piping hot favourite. His record could
give an opponent cold feet and a stiff swing with 3 times runner-up
beaten by a slender margin and winner in the last 2 years and playing
in topping form. Against this background was pitted Ranil Pathirana
a tall elegant and sprightly player whose flashes of brilliance
have brought him a few very competitive titles and trophies.
Pathirana
Leads
From the 1st tee Pathirana went for his shots courageously and his
Titleist No. 3 ball responded superbly with discipline and obedience.
On the 5th tee Pathirana was 4 up in the bag with Wickremaratne
shattered. Now Pathirana gets sloppy with over confidence, loses
the grip and Wickremaratne fights back to get all square on the
11th. At this stage I am told that the odds were on Wickremaratne
but youthful Pathirana came back with spirited effort of well planned
shots and intelligent use of the four strokes he got. 1 up on the
14th they halved the 15th and 16th and then Pathirana clinched the
Trophy when he won the 17th. Wickremaratne faltered to go down 2
and 1. "Pathirana played superbly particularly when he was
in distress", said Wickremaratne in defeat. Pathirana was a
popular winner judging from the stunning round of applause he got
at the Award Ceremony.
Award Ceremony
Lalith Ramanayake's eloquence and excellent speech craft was pleasant.
Priya Fernando was bright and Breezy and Pam Fernando received everyone's
undivided attention. The party thereafter stretched through an elastic
late evening with Scotland's best dominating. Slimmed down Tiru
Jesudason looked great, Christine Fernando and sister Marie Wickrematunga
looked refreshing while Anne Captain and Elvira Merz stayed Samsung
Cool.
Captain's
Cup
This is an extremely popular event and this year the competition
was as popular as the irrepressible Captain Lalith Ramanayake who
played host to over a century of golfers at a super Oriental Buffet
lunch laced with Alcoholic beverages of one's choosing. It was a
swinging lunch time session. A happy 19th hole.
Excellent
Magala
Michael Perera Magala was absolutely outstanding on both days. A
dashing nett 70 on the first day was followed by another dashing
70 to make a formidable nett 140 and collect a super award of a
Calloway big Bertha Driver just exactly what Magala has been looking
for in almost a year. Coming 2nd was another bright performance
by young Shehan the son of the proud father Lalith Ramanayake off
handicap 7. Both popular winners they were enthusiastically received
at the Award Ceremony. Mithum the chubby son of Nandasena Perera
struck a stunning nett 66 but was disqualified for not signing his
Card.
Just before
lunch was the award ceremony which enveloped all competitive events
in the preceding 3 months. It was a long list of events and the
ceremony went on and on boringly. Several winners failed to turn
up despite accepting the invitation but what was most irritating
was the disturbing chit chats during important speeches. I think
it was shameful behaviour.
Tribute to
Rohana
Anura Rohana our latest national asset was warmly welcomed at the
ceremony with resounding applause. The Silver Medallist at the Asian
Games was awarded a Silver Plaque for his sterling performance.
The lunch spread
was excellent, thanks to Executive Chef Gamini de Silva. The music
far too loud and bailas and in my view inappropriate for the Royal
Colombo Golf Club. Golden Oldies through soft music would have been
ideal. The redeeming feature was the Ajanta Mylvaganam and Norman
Gunewardena new duo of "Voices in Harmony". It was Ramanayake's
day and he richly deserved the Century of accolades.
A misfit
How is it that from the 23 officers who went to Malaysia for an
Administrative Course saw an officer, not from the district and
without the necessary qualifications, being picked?
Thoroughly
disorganised
The so called International Marathon held in Kandy recently resembled
a political relay and not that of a Marathon. The general public
knew what was taking long and the organisers were running high and
low distributing the invitations for dinner.
Not handed
over yet
The Kandy District Sports Foundation has not handed over the Bogambara
Stadium after renovations were carried out.What is the delay?
Who is the
Curator?
It was mentioned at the P. Sara Stadium where the Pakistan-Australia
first Cricket Test was played that the Curator was a Pakistani,
when it is not so. The Curator is none other than Milroy Muthuwelu
who played for the club and a distinguished old boy of Wesley College.
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